Russia and Belarus begin huge Zapad wargames on Europe's doorstep

Russia and Belarus launched a major joint military exercise on Friday, with Europe still on high alert following an unprecedented drone intrusion earlier this week. The Zapad ('West') 2025 drills will take place in Russia and Belarus, near NATO's eastern flank, from Friday until Tuesday, September 16. In Moscow, the Defense Ministry announced that parts of the exercise will be held on Russian territory, as well as in the Baltic and Barents Seas.